Conveyance system with variable speed rollers

ABSTRACT

Techniques regarding a conveyance system with variable speed rollers are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a roller attached to a support member that is operatively coupled to a first gear. The first gear can drive a conveyance of the support member and the roller in a first direction. The apparatus can also comprise a shaft that can operatively couple the roller to a second gear. The second gear can drive a rotation of the roller in an axial direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/014,790 filed on Jun. 21, 2018, entitled“CONVEYANCE SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE SPEED ROLLERS.” The entirety of theaforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject disclosure relates to conveyance system, and morespecifically, to a conveyance system that can comprise one or morerollers that can rotate at one or more variable speeds.

SUMMARY

The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of oneor more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended toidentify key or critical elements, or delineate any scope of theparticular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose isto present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the moredetailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, systems and/or apparatuses that can convey an articlein one direction while rotating the article in a second direction aredescribed.

According to an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus cancomprise a roller attached to a support member that is operativelycoupled to a first gear. The first gear drives a conveyance of thesupport member and the roller in a first direction. The apparatus canalso comprise a shaft that operatively couples the roller to a secondgear, wherein the second gear drives a rotation of the roller in anaxial direction.

According to another embodiment, a system is provided. The system cancomprise a platform located between a first support member and a secondsupport member. The platform can be attached to the first support memberand the second support member. The system can also comprise a drivingmechanism operatively coupled to the first support member and the secondsupport member. The driving mechanism can propel the platform, the firstsupport member and the second support member in a first direction. Also,the system can further comprise a rotation mechanism operatively coupledto the platform. The rotation mechanism can rotate the platform in anaxial direction.

According to another embodiment, a system is provided. The system cancomprise a roller comprised within a conveyor system that facilitates aconveyance of the roller along a first direction. Also, the system cancomprise a rotation mechanism operatively coupled to the roller, whereinthe rotation mechanism facilitates a rotation of the roller along anaxial direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem that can facilitate conveying an article in one direction whilerotating the article in a second direction in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem that can facilitate conveying an article in one direction whilerotating the article in a second direction in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem that can comprise a conveyance mechanism and a rotation mechanismin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem that can comprise a conveyance mechanism and multiple rotationmechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting top perspectiveof a conveyance system that can facilitate conveying an article in onedirection while rotating the article in a second direction in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting bottomperspective of a conveyance system that can facilitate conveying anarticle in one direction while rotating the article in a seconddirection in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting frontperspective of a conveyance system that can facilitate conveying anarticle in one direction while rotating the article in a seconddirection in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting backperspective of a conveyance system that can facilitate conveying anarticle in one direction while rotating the article in a seconddirection in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem that can facilitate conveying an article in one direction via afirst controller while rotating the article in a second direction via asecond controller in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem that can comprise a controller, which can facilitate conveying anarticle in one direction while rotating the article in a seconddirection in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limitingoperating environment in which one or more embodiments described hereincan be facilitated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is notintended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied information presented in the preceding Background or Summarysections, or in the Detailed Description section.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It isevident, however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments canbe practiced without these specific details.

Conventional conveyors, such as conveyor belts, can facilitatetransporting an article from one location to another along a definedpath and at a defined speed. Conveyors can be used to automate amultitude of processes (e.g., manufacturing processes). However, one ormore processes can require additional manipulation of the article duringtransport along the conveyance path. For example, one or moremanufacturing processes can require an article to be rotated while beingconveyed. For instance, rotation of the article can: facilitate uniformexposure of the article's surface for heating or cooling; preventgravity from distorting the article as it is being processed; and/orfacilitate mixing liquids and/or suspensions during processing.

Various embodiments described herein can regard systems and/orapparatuses that can facilitate additional manipulation of an articlebeing conveyed along a conveyance path. For example, one or moreembodiments can comprise one or more features that can facilitaterotating an article while the article is being conveyed from onelocation to another. Further, one or more embodiments can facilitaterotating the article at a rotation speed that is independent of theconveyance speed. For instance, the rotation speed can be varied,changed, reversed, and/or stopped without affecting the conveyancespeed. Conversely, the conveyance speed can be varied, changed,reversed, and/or stopped without affecting the rotation speed. Inaddition, one or more embodiments can facilitate rotating multiplearticles at respective rotation speeds (e.g., independent of each other)that are independent of the conveyance speed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 that can facilitate conveying an article along a conveyancedirection while rotating the article along a rotation direction (e.g.,an axial direction) in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. As shown in FIG. 1, the “C” arrow can represent the conveyancedirection and/or the “R” arrow can represent the rotation direction.

The conveyance system 100 can comprise a platform 102 (e.g., representedby dashed lines in FIG. 1), which can comprise one or more rollers 104.The one or more rollers 104 can be characterized by any structure and/orshape that can support an article and/or can be rotated. For instance,although rollers 104 with a cylindrical shape are shown in FIG. 1, therollers 104 can also have a polygon shape. Example structures that cancharacterize the rollers 104 can include, but are not limited to:cylinders, squares, rectangles, triangles, plates, boxes, cups, wires,trapezoids, a hemisphere, a dome, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. Additionally, one or more rollers 104 can vary in size and/or canbe spaced apart from each other by various distances. For example, theone or more rollers 104 can have a diameter of 1.25 inches (in) and/orcan be spaced apart on 1.5 in, allowing a 0.25 in space between rollers104. Additionally, the one or more rollers 104 can be hard coat anodizedto increase durability and/or Teflon impregnated to ease in cleaning.

Further, the one or more rollers 104 can have one or more features thatcan facilitate an interaction with an article to be supported by theplatform 102 and/or a process that can be applied to the article. Forexample, one or more of the rollers 104 can comprise holes (e.g.,located on the surface of the rollers 104), cavities, compartments, acombination thereof, and/or the like. For instance, one or more of therollers 104 can be hollow. Additionally, the one or more rollers 104 cancomprise grooves, notches, ridges, bumps, a combination thereof, and/orlike to facilitate placement of an article onto the platform 102. Also,the one or more rollers 104 can be made from a variety of materialsdepending on the application of the conveyance system 100. Examplematerials can include, but are not limited to: metal, metal alloys(e.g., steel), plastic, plastic composites, stone, clay, a combinationthereof and/or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat a plethora of materials can be utilized to contrast the one or morerollers 104.

Moreover, while FIG. 1 depicts each roller 104 of the platform 102 ashaving the same structural characteristics (e.g., height, shape, width,material, surface structure, and/or length), one of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that the architecture of the platform 102 is notso limited. For example, respective rollers 104 of the platform 102 canhave respective structural characteristics independent of one or moreother rollers 104 comprised within the platform 102. For instance, halfof the rollers 104 can be characterized by a first structural feature(e.g., a hollow cylindrical shape) while another half of the rollers 104can be characterized by a second structural feature (e.g., a rectangularplate with one or more holes).

The platform 102 (e.g., via the one or more rollers 104) can beoperatively coupled to one or more conveyance mechanism 106. Theconveyance mechanism 106 can be located adjacent to a single side of theplatform 102 and/or adjacent to multiple sides of the platform 102. Forexample, FIG. 1 depicts the conveyance mechanism 106 located at distalends of the one or more rollers 104 (e.g., the left and/or right of theplatform 102). The conveyance mechanism 106 can: provide structuralsupport for the platform 102; and/or propel the platform 102 along theconveyance direction (e.g., represented by arrow “C”), thereby conveyingthe platform 102, and one or more articles supported by the platform102, from a first location to a second location along the conveyancedirection (e.g., represented by arrow “C”). FIG. 1 depicts theconveyance direction (e.g., represented by arrow “C”) as a linear path;however, the conveyance direction (e.g., represented by arrow “C”) cancomprise one or more turns. Additionally, although FIG. 1 shows theconveyance direction (e.g., represented by arrow “C”) traversing ahorizontal plane, the conveyance direction (e.g., represented by arrow“C”) can also traverse a vertical plane (e.g., transitioning from ahorizontal plane to a vertical plane).

The conveyance mechanism 106 can comprise one or more support members108 operatively coupled to the platform 102 (e.g., via the one or morerollers 104). The one or more support members 108 can be locatedadjacent to a single side of the platform 102 and/or adjacent tomultiple sides of the platform 102. For example, FIG. 1 depicts supportmembers 108 located at distal ends of the one or more rollers 104 (e.g.,the left and/or right of the platform 102). The one or more supportmembers 108 can provide structural support for the platform 102 alongthe conveyance direction and/or can facilitate moving the platform 102along the conveyance direction. The one or more support members 108 canbe characterized by one or more structures, which can include, but arenot limited to: a belt, a chain, a cord, a rope, a wire, a combinationthereof, and/or the like. As used herein, the term “chain” can refer toa series of connected linkages (e.g., connected loops, connectedpolygons, connected boxes, connected compartments, connected wires, acombination thereof, and/or the like), wherein the linkages can beflexibly linked together to facilitate to conformity to a linear and/ornon-linear conveyance path. Example chain structures can include, butare not limited to: a roller chain, a block chain, a skip-link chain,and/or a Simpson lever chain.

Additionally, the conveyance mechanism 106 can comprise one or morefirst driving members 110. The one or more first driving members 110 canbe operatively coupled to the one or more support members 108 and/orfacilitate first driving the one or more support members 108 in theconveyance direction (e.g., represented by the “C” arrow). For example,the one or more first driving members 110 can engage the one or moresupport members 108 and/or transfer mechanical power (e.g., generated bya motor) to the one or more support members 108. Example first drivingmembers 110 can include, but are not limited to: a gear, a wheel, amagnetic, a combination thereof, and/or the like. For instance, the oneor more first driving members 110 can comprise one or moreultra-high-molecular-weight (“UHMW”) polyethylene sprockets.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the conveyance system 100 that cancomprise two support members 108, each characterized by a roller chainstructure. A first support member 108 can be located a first distal endof the one or more rollers 104 and/or a second support member 108 can belocated a second distal end of the one or more rollers 104. Further, theone or more first driving members 110 can be gears. The one or morefirst driving members 110 (e.g., one or more sprockets and/or one ormore gears) can engage the one or more support members 108 (e.g., one ormore roller chains). For example, mechanical power (e.g., generated by amotor) can rotate (e.g., along the rotation direction represented by the“R” arrow) the one or more first driving members 110 (e.g., one or moregears), thereby propelling the one or more support members 108 (e.g.,one or more roller chains) along the conveyance direction (e.g.,represented by the “C” arrow). Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, rotation of theone or more first driving members 110 (e.g., gears) can drive the one ormore supporting members 108 (e.g., roller chains) along the conveyancedirection (e.g., represented by the “C” arrow), which in turn can propelthe platform 102 along the conveyance direction.

The conveyance mechanism 106 (e.g., the one or more support members 108)can be operatively coupled directly to the one or more rollers 104. Forexample, the one or more support members 108 can engage with one or moresurface features (e.g., grooves and/or ridges) located on the one ormore rollers 104. Alternatively, the conveyance mechanism 106 (e.g., theone or more support members 108) can be operatively coupled indirectlyto the one or more rollers 104. For example, one or more shafts 112 canextend from one or more ends of the one or more one or more rollers 104and/or connect to the one or more support members 108. The one or moreshafts 112 can be characterized by a cylindrical structure and/or apolygon structure. Additionally, the one or more shafts 112 can be rigid(e.g., a rod) and/or flexible (e.g., a wire). Moreover, the one or moreshafts 112 can extend from a single location (e.g., a center location)on a respective side of the one or more rollers 104 and/or from multiplelocations (e.g., multiple perimeter locations) on a respective side ofthe one or more rollers 104. Further, the one or more shafts 112 can befixed to the one or more rollers 104 and/or pass through the one or morerollers 104.

Further, the conveyance system 100 can comprise a rotation mechanism114, which can rotate the platform 102 (e.g., one or more of the rollers104) in an axial direction, such as the rotation direction (e.g.,represented by the “R” arrow), during conveyance. In one or moreembodiments, one or more of the rollers 104 can be operatively coupledto one or more engagement members 116. Example engagement members 116can include, but are not limited to: a gear, a wheel, a magnetic, acombination thereof, and/or the like. In one or more embodiments, eachrespective roller 104 can be operably coupled to a respective engagementmember 116. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, an engagementmember 116 can be operatively coupled to a plurality of rollers 104.

The one or more engagement members 116 can be operably coupled to theone or more rollers 104 directly (e.g., via direct interaction with arespective surface of the one or more rollers 104) and/or indirectly(e.g., via the one or more shafts 112). For example, the one or moreengagement members 116 can be fixed to the one or more shafts 112 andthereby operably coupled to the one or more rollers 104 via the one ormore shafts 112. The one or more engagement members 116 can be locatedat a single side of the platform 102 or at multiple sides of theplatform 102. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognizethat the number of engagement members 116 comprising the rotationmechanism 114 can vary depending on the number of rollers 104 and/or thelength of the conveyance system 100.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more shafts 112 can extendthrough the one or more support members 108 to reach the one or moreengagement members 116. For example, one or more bearings can becomprised within the one or more support members 108. The one or morebearings can create one or more holes in the one or more support members108 into which the one or more shafts 112 can extend. Further, the oneor more bearings can facilitate rotation of the one or more shafts 112(e.g., by reducing friction between the one or more shafts 112 and/orthe one or more support members 108 while the one or more shafts 112rotate).

The one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can comprise one or morerotation members 118 operatively coupled to the one or more engagementmembers 116, and thereby the one or more rollers 104 (e.g., via the oneor more shafts 112). The one or more rotation members 118 can be locatedadjacent to a single side of the platform 102 and/or adjacent tomultiple sides of the platform 102. Additionally, each side of theplatform 102 comprising the one or more rotation members 118 cancomprise one rotation member 118 and/or a plurality of rotation members118. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a rotation member 118 located at adistal end of the one or more rollers 104.

The one or more rotation members 118 can facilitate rotating the one ormore rollers 104 along an axial direction (e.g., the rotation directionrepresented by the “R” arrow). The one or more rotation members 118 canbe characterized by one or more structures, which can include, but arenot limited to: a belt, a chain, a cord, a rope, a wire, a combinationthereof, and/or the like.

Additionally, the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can comprise oneor more second driving members 120 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 3 and/or 4).The one or more second driving members 120 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 3and/or 4) can be operatively coupled to the one or more rotation members118 and/or facilitate driving the one or more rotation members 118 inthe conveyance direction (e.g., represented by the “C” arrow). Forexample, the one or more second driving members 120 (e.g., shown inFIGS. 3 and/or 4) can engage the one or more rotation members 118 and/ortransfer mechanical power (e.g., generated by a motor) to the one ormore rotation members 118. Example second driving members 120 (e.g.,shown in FIGS. 3 and/or 4) can include, but are not limited to: a gear,a wheel, a magnetic, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

The one or more second driving members 120 (e.g., one or more sprocketsand/or one or more gears) can engage the one or more rotation members118 (e.g., one or more belts). For example, mechanical power (e.g.,generated by a motor) can rotate (e.g., along the rotation directionrepresented by the “R” arrow) the one or more second driving members 120(e.g., one or more gears), thereby propelling the one or more rotationmembers 118 (e.g., one or more roller chains) along the conveyancedirection (e.g., represented by the “C” arrow); the one or more rotationmembers 118 can in turn engage the one or more engagement members 116,thereby rotating the one or more engagement members 116 (e.g., along therotation direction represented by the “R” arrow). Thus, as shown in FIG.1, rotation of the one or more first driving members 110 (e.g., gears)can drive the one or more rotation members 118 (e.g., roller chains)along the conveyance direction (e.g., represented by the “C” arrow),which in turn can rotate the one or more engagement members 116 alongthe rotation direction (e.g., represented by the “R” arrow).

Further, rotation of the one or more engagement members 116 can causethe rotation of the one or more rollers 104. For example, the one ormore engagement members 116 can directly engage the one or more rollers104, wherein said rotation of the engagement members 116 can inducerotation of the one or more rollers 104. In another example, the one ormore engagement members 116 can indirectly engage the one or morerollers 104 via the one or more shafts 112, wherein said rotation of theengagement members 116 can induce rotation of the one or more shafts 112and thereby the one or more rollers 104.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106can operate independently of the one or more rotation mechanisms 114.For example, the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 can convey theone or more platforms 102 at a conveyance speed that is independent of aspeed at which the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 rotates the oneor more rollers 104 (e.g., a rotation speed). For instance, a conveyancespeed of the one or more platforms 102 can be faster, slower, and/orequal to a rotation speed of the one or more rollers 104. In anotherinstance, the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 can cease and/oralter operation without impeding and/or altering operation of the one ormore rotation mechanism 114, and/or vise-versa. For instance, theconveyance mechanism 106 can stop, reverse, increase, and/or decreasethe conveyance speed of the one or more platforms 102 withoutinfluencing rotation of the one or more rollers 104 (e.g., influencedand/or controlled by the one or more rotation mechanisms 114). Inanother instance, the rotation mechanism 114 can stop, reverse,increase, and/or decrease the rotation speed of the one or more rollers104 without influencing conveyance of the one or more platforms 102(e.g., influenced and/or controlled by the one or more conveyancemechanisms 106).

For example, the rotation of the one or more rollers 104 can becontrolled by the relative difference in the speeds of the one or morerotation members 118 and/or the supporting members 108. For instance, ifthe one or more rotation members 118 are moving at the same linear speedas the one or more support members 108, the one or more rollers 104 canremain unrotated as they are conveyed along the conveyance direction(e.g., represented by the “C” arrow). In another instance, if the one ormore rotation members 118 are propelled in a speed greater than or lessthan the one or more supporting members 108, the one or more rollers 104can rotate.

In one or more embodiments, the conveyor system 100 can be positioned(e.g., at least partially) inside an insulated cabinet with a hinged lidfor easy access. For example, the conveyor system 100 can extend outthrough openings on each end of the insulated cabinet, providing areasfor loading and unloading. A work cavity of the cabinet can comprisepressurized air supply manifolds located above and below the conveyorsystem 100. Further, rows of nozzles on each manifold can directconditioned air onto the one or more rollers 104 from one or more sides.Spent air can be drawn into one or more side manifolds and back into theconditioning system.

Further, the conditioning system can comprise a conditioned air supply(“CAS”), located in an enclosure adjacent (e.g., below) the conveyorsystem 100. The CAS can be on wheels for easy transport and/or can beconfigured with a power cord to run on standard 120 VAC power. Thisself-contained system can provide conditioned air to the conveyor system100 at programmed temperatures from −15 to 70 degrees Celsius (° C.).Also, a platinum resistance temperature detector (“RTD”) sensor locatedin the supply manifold can be used to monitor and/or control the supplyair temperature to within +/−1.0° C. of the programmed set point.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 that can facilitate conveying an article in the conveyancedirection while rotating the article in an axial direction (e.g., therotation direction) in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. As shown inFIG. 2, in one or more embodiments, the one or more first drivingmembers 110 can be connected. Thus, one first driving member 110 canoperate in conjunction with another first driving member 110. Thereby, afirst supporting member 108 can operate in conjunction with acorresponding supporting member 108.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 from a side perspective in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity. In one or more embodiments, the conveyance system 100 cancomprise a single rotation mechanism 114. The rotation mechanism 114 canextend through a portion of the conveyance system 100 and/or through anentirety of the conveyance system 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 from the side perspective in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity. In one or more embodiments, the conveyance system 100 cancomprise a plurality of rotation mechanism 114. While FIG. 4 illustratesa conveyance system 100 comprising two rotation mechanisms 114, thearchitecture of the conveyance system 100 is not so limited. Forexample, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize thatthe conveyance system 100 can comprise more rotation mechanisms 114 thanthe two shown in FIG. 4 depending on the number of desired rotationconditions in the conveyance system 100 and/or the length of theconveyance system 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of rotation mechanisms 114 can belocated on the same side of the one or more platforms 102. Additionally,each rotation mechanism 114 from the plurality can operate independentlyof other rotation mechanisms 114 from the plurality. For example, afirst rotation mechanism 114 can facilitate a first rotation speedand/or direction (e.g., the rotation direction represented by the “R”arrow or an opposite rotation direction), while a second rotationmechanism 114 can facilitate a second, distinct rotation speed and/ordirection (e.g., the rotation direction represented by the “R” arrow oran opposite rotation direction). As shown in FIG. 4, respective rotationmechanisms 114 can control the rotation of respective rollers 104 (e.g.,one or more respective rollers 104). The use of multiple rotationmechanisms 114 (e.g., operating independently of each other) can enablevarying rotation conditions along the one or more platforms 102.Further, said varying rotation conditions can facilitate uniqueprocessing techniques regarding the one or more articles being conveyedby conveyance system 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 from a top-down perspective in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity. As shown in FIG. 5, in one or more embodiments, the one or moreengagement members 116 can engage a top surface of the one or morerotation members 118. Further, FIG. 5 depicts the one or more rotationmechanisms 114 located at a single side of the one or more platforms102. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the one or more rotationmechanisms 114 can be located at a plurality of sides of the one or moreplatforms 102.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 from a bottom-up perspective in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity. FIG. 6 depicts the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 locatedat a single side of the one or more platforms 102. Alternatively, in oneor more embodiments, the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can belocated at a plurality of sides of the one or more platforms 102.Additionally, while FIG. 6 depicts the one or more rotation mechanisms114 extending across nearly the entire length of the conveyance system100, the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can alternatively belocated at portions of the conveyance system 100. Further, said portionscan be adjacent to each other along the conveyance path (e.g., along theconveyance direction represented by the “C” arrow) and/or isolated fromeach other along the conveyance path.

FIGS. 7A and/or 7B illustrate diagrams of the example, non-limitingconveyance system 100, from a front perspective and a back perspective,respectively, in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. As shownamongst FIGS. 7A and/or 7B, the one or more first driving members 110can be located at the front of the conveyance system 100, wherein thefront of the conveyance system 100 can be a distal end downstream of theback (e.g., another distal end) of the conveyance system 100 along theconveyance direction, and/or vice-versa. However, one of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that the architecture of the conveyance system100 is not so limited. For example, one or more first driving members110 can be located at the front of the conveyance system 100, the backof the conveyance system 100, a location between the front and the backof the conveyance system 100, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 further comprising a master controller 802 that canfacilitate operation of the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 and/orthe one or more rotation mechanisms 114. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 8, operation of the one or more conveyance mechanisms106 and/or the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can be controlled bya master controller 802. For example, the master controller 802 can beoperably connected (e.g., via a direct electrical connection and/or viaa wireless communication) with the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106and/or the one or more rotation mechanism 114. For instance, the mastercontroller 802 can be operatively connected to a first motor, which canpower the one or more first driving members 110 and thereby the one ormore supporting members 108. In another instance, the master controller802 can be operatively connected to a second motor, which can power theone or more second driving members 120 and thereby the one or morerotation members 118.

The master controller 802 can be a computer device comprising one ormore processors. Example computer devices that can comprise the mastercontroller 802 can include, but are not limited to: a desktop computer,a laptop computer, a computerized tablet, a smart device (e.g., a smartphone and/or smart wearable), a combination thereof, and/or the like.Example master controllers 802 can include, but are not limited to,variable speed controllers and/or the like. As described herein, themaster controller 802 can operate the one or more conveyance mechanisms106 independently of the one or more rotation mechanism 114. Further, asdescribed herein, the master controller 802 can operate a plurality ofrotation mechanisms 114 independently of each other (e.g., such thatrotation conditions amongst the plurality of rotation mechanisms 114 canbe consistent and/or vary). While the one or more conveyance mechanisms106 and/or the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can be operatedindependently, the master controller 802 can analyze the respectiveconveyance conditions and/or rotation conditions of one mechanism (e.g.,a conveyance mechanism 106 and/or a rotation mechanism 114) incontrolling another mechanism (e.g., a conveyance mechanism 106 and/or arotation mechanism 114).

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the mastercontroller 802 can control the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 tooperate at various speeds depending on the desired function of theconveyance system 100. For example, the master controller 802 cancontrol the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 to operate at aconveyance speed greater than or equal to 7.2 and less than or equal to72 inches per minute. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the master controller 802 can control the one ormore rotation mechanisms 114 to operate at various speeds depending onthe desired function of the conveyance system 100. For example, themaster controller 802 can control the one or more rotation mechanisms114 to operate at a rotation speed greater than or equal to 0 and lessthan or equal to 15 revolutions per minute.

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting conveyancesystem 100 further comprising one or more first controllers 902 and/orone or more second controllers 904 to facilitate operation of the one ormore conveyance mechanisms 106 and/or the one or more rotationmechanisms 114. Repetitive description of like elements employed inother embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 9, operation of the one or more conveyance mechanisms106 can be controlled via one or more first controllers 902, and the oneor more rotation mechanisms 114 can be controlled via one or more secondcontrollers 904. For example, the one or more first controllers 902 canbe operably connected (e.g., via a direct electrical connection and/orvia a wireless communication) with the one or more conveyance mechanisms106. For instance, the one or more first controllers 902 can beoperatively connected to the first motor, which can power the one ormore first driving members 110 and thereby the one or more supportingmembers 108. Additionally, the one or more second controller 904 can beoperably connected (e.g., via a direct electrical connection and/or viaa wireless communication) with the one or more rotation mechanisms 114.For instance, the one or more second controllers 904 can be operativelyconnected to the second motor, which can power the one or more seconddriving members 120 and thereby the one or more rotation members 118.

The one or more first controllers 902 can be computer devices comprisingone or more processors. Example computer devices that can comprise theone or more first controllers 902 can include, but are not limited to:desktop computers, laptop computers, computerized tablets, smart devices(e.g., smart phone and/or smart wearables), a combination thereof,and/or the like. For example, the one or more first controllers 902 canbe variable frequency speed controllers. One of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the architecture of the one or more firstcontrollers 902 is not limited to variable frequency speed controllers;rather, in one or more embodiments, a variety of controllers can beutilized to facilitate the features described herein. As describedherein, the one or more first controllers 902 can operate the one ormore conveyance mechanisms 106 independently of the one or more rotationmechanism 114. While the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 and/orthe one or more rotation mechanisms 114 can be operated independently,the one or more first controllers 902 can analyze the respectiverotation conditions of the one or more rotation mechanisms 114 incontrolling the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106. For example, theone or more first controllers 902 can communicate (e.g., via directelectrical connection and/or via a wireless connection) with the one ormore second controllers 904. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the one or more first controllers 902 can control the oneor more conveyance mechanisms 106 to operate at various speeds dependingon the desired function of the conveyance system 100. For example, theone or more first controllers 902 can control the one or more conveyancemechanisms 106 to operate at a conveyance speed greater than or equal to7.2 and less than or equal to 72 inches per minute.

The one or more second controllers 904 can also be computer devicescomprising one or more processors. Example computer devices that cancomprise the one or more second controllers 904 can include, but are notlimited to: desktop computers, laptop computers, computerized tablets,smart devices (e.g., smart phone and/or smart wearables), a combinationthereof, and/or the like. For example, the one or more secondcontrollers 904 can be variable frequency speed controllers. One ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the architecture of theone or more second controllers 904 is not limited to variable frequencyspeed controllers; rather, in one or more embodiments, a variety ofcontrollers can be utilized to facilitate the features described herein.As described herein, the one or more second controllers 904 can operatethe one or more rotation mechanisms 114 independently of the one or moreconveyance mechanism 106. Further, as described herein, the one or moresecond controllers 904 can operate a plurality of rotation mechanisms114 independently of each other (e.g., such that rotation conditionsamongst the plurality of rotation mechanisms 114 can be consistentand/or vary). While the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 and/or theone or more rotation mechanisms 114 can be operated independently, theone or more second controllers 904 can analyze the respective conveyanceconditions of the one or more conveyance mechanisms 106 in controllingthe one or more rotation mechanisms 114. For example, the one or moresecond controllers 904 can communicate (e.g., via direct electricalconnection and/or via a wireless connection) with the one or more firstcontrollers 902. Similarly, while the plurality of rotation mechanisms114 can be operated independently, the one or more second controllers904 can analyze the respective rotation conditions of one rotationmechanism 114 in controlling another rotation mechanism 114. Forexample, the one or more second controllers 904 can communicate (e.g.,via direct electrical connection and/or via a wireless connection) withthe each other. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theone or more second controllers 904 can control the one or more rotationmechanisms 114 to operate at various speeds depending on the desiredfunction of the conveyance system 100. For example, the one or moresecond controllers 904 can control the one or more rotation mechanisms114 to operate at a rotation speed greater than or equal to 0 and lessthan or equal to 15 revolutions per minute.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 10 as well as the following discussion are intendedto provide a general description of a suitable environment in which thevarious aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented. FIG.10 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limiting operatingenvironment in which one or more embodiments described herein can befacilitated. For example, the operating environment depicted in FIG. 10can be comprised within the master controller 802, the one or more firstcontrollers 902, and/or the one or more second controllers 904.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity. With reference to FIG.10, a suitable operating environment 1000 for implementing variousaspects of this disclosure can include a computer 1012. The computer1012 can also include a processing unit 1014, a system memory 1016, anda system bus 1018. The system bus 1018 can operably couple systemcomponents including, but not limited to, the system memory 1016 to theprocessing unit 1014. The processing unit 1014 can be any of variousavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessorarchitectures also can be employed as the processing unit 1014. Thesystem bus 1018 can be any of several types of bus structures includingthe memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus,and/or a local bus using any variety of available bus architecturesincluding, but not limited to, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA),Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent DriveElectronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), AdvancedGraphics Port (AGP), Firewire, and Small Computer Systems Interface(SCSI). The system memory 1016 can also include volatile memory 1020 andnonvolatile memory 1022. The basic input/output system (BIOS),containing the basic routines to transfer information between elementswithin the computer 1012, such as during start-up, can be stored innonvolatile memory 1022. By way of illustration, and not limitation,nonvolatile memory 1022 can include read only memory (ROM), programmableROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or nonvolatile random accessmemory (RAM) (e.g., ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM). Volatile memory 1020 canalso include random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronousDRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM), directRambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM.

Computer 1012 can also include removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. FIG. 10 illustrates, forexample, a disk storage 1024. Disk storage 1024 can also include, but isnot limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive,tape drive, Jaz drive, Zip drive, LS-100 drive, flash memory card, ormemory stick. The disk storage 1024 also can include storage mediaseparately or in combination with other storage media including, but notlimited to, an optical disk drive such as a compact disk ROM device(CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RWDrive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive (DVD-ROM). To facilitateconnection of the disk storage 1024 to the system bus 1018, a removableor non-removable interface can be used, such as interface 1026. FIG. 10also depicts software that can act as an intermediary between users andthe basic computer resources described in the suitable operatingenvironment 1000. Such software can also include, for example, anoperating system 1028. Operating system 1028, which can be stored ondisk storage 1024, acts to control and allocate resources of thecomputer 1012. System applications 1030 can take advantage of themanagement of resources by operating system 1028 through program modules1032 and program data 1034, e.g., stored either in system memory 1016 oron disk storage 1024. It is to be appreciated that this disclosure canbe implemented with various operating systems or combinations ofoperating systems. A user enters commands or information into thecomputer 1012 through one or more input devices 1036. Input devices 1036can include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse,trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital videocamera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices canconnect to the processing unit 1014 through the system bus 1018 via oneor more interface ports 1038. The one or more Interface ports 1038 caninclude, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and auniversal serial bus (USB). One or more output devices 1040 can use someof the same type of ports as input device 1036. Thus, for example, a USBport can be used to provide input to computer 1012, and to outputinformation from computer 1012 to an output device 1040. Output adapter1042 can be provided to illustrate that there are some output devices1040 like monitors, speakers, and printers, among other output devices1040, which require special adapters. The output adapters 1042 caninclude, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and soundcards that provide a means of connection between the output device 1040and the system bus 1018. It should be noted that other devices and/orsystems of devices provide both input and output capabilities such asone or more remote computers 1044.

Computer 1012 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer1044. The remote computer 1044 can be a computer, a server, a router, anetwork PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based appliance, a peerdevice or other common network node and the like, and typically can alsoinclude many or all of the elements described relative to computer 1012.For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1046 isillustrated with remote computer 1044. Remote computer 1044 can belogically connected to computer 1012 through a network interface 1048and then physically connected via communication connection 1050.Further, operation can be distributed across multiple (local and remote)systems. Network interface 1048 can encompass wire and/or wirelesscommunication networks such as local-area networks (LAN), wide-areanetworks (WAN), cellular networks, etc. LAN technologies include FiberDistributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface(CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like. WAN technologies include, butare not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit switching networkslike Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon,packet switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). One ormore communication connections 1050 refers to the hardware/softwareemployed to connect the network interface 1048 to the system bus 1018.While communication connection 1050 is shown for illustrative clarityinside computer 1012, it can also be external to computer 1012. Thehardware/software for connection to the network interface 1048 can alsoinclude, for exemplary purposes only, internal and external technologiessuch as, modems including regular telephone grade modems, cable modemsand DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

Embodiments of the present invention can be a system, a method, anapparatus and/or a computer program product at any possible technicaldetail level of integration. The computer program product can include acomputer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readableprogram instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry outaspects of the present invention. The computer readable storage mediumcan be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for useby an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage mediumcan be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, anelectromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of morespecific examples of the computer readable storage medium can alsoinclude the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static randomaccess memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM),a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, amechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures ina groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitablecombination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, asused herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se,such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves,electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or othertransmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-opticcable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network can includecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device. Computer readable programinstructions for carrying out operations of various aspects of thepresent invention can be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions can executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to customize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions. These computer readable programinstructions can be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be storedin a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, aprogrammable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to functionin a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored therein includes an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the function/actspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Thecomputer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational acts to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successioncan, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks cansometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program product thatruns on a computer and/or computers, those skilled in the art willrecognize that this disclosure also can or can be implemented incombination with other program modules. Generally, program modulesinclude routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. thatperform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract datatypes. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theinventive computer-implemented methods can be practiced with othercomputer system configurations, including single-processor ormultiprocessor computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframecomputers, as well as computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA,phone), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrialelectronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be practicedin distributed computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. However, some, if not all aspects of this disclosure can bepracticed on stand-alone computers. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “system,”“platform,” “interface,” and the like, can refer to and/or can include acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational machinewith one or more specific functionalities. The entities disclosed hereincan be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software,software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, butis not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components canreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component canbe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In another example, respective components can execute fromvarious computer readable media having various data structures storedthereon. The components can communicate via local and/or remoteprocesses such as in accordance with a signal having one or more datapackets (e.g., data from one component interacting with anothercomponent in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a networksuch as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionalityprovided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electroniccircuitry, which is operated by a software or firmware applicationexecuted by a processor. In such a case, the processor can be internalor external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of thesoftware or firmware application. As yet another example, a componentcan be an apparatus that provides specific functionality throughelectronic components without mechanical parts, wherein the electroniccomponents can include a processor or other means to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. In an aspect, a component can emulate anelectronic component via a virtual machine, e.g., within a cloudcomputing system.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or Xemploys both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any ofthe foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in thesubject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construedto mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from contextto be directed to a singular form. As used herein, the terms “example”and/or “exemplary” are utilized to mean serving as an example, instance,or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matterdisclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, anyaspect or design described herein as an “example” and/or “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplarystructures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As it is employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or deviceincluding, but not limited to, single-core processors; single-processorswith software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors;multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallelplatforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory.Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmablelogic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), adiscrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.Further, processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, butnot limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switchesand gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance ofuser equipment. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing processing units. In this disclosure, terms such as “store,”“storage,” “data store,” data storage,” “database,” and substantiallyany other information storage component relevant to operation andfunctionality of a component are utilized to refer to “memorycomponents,” entities embodied in a “memory,” or components including amemory. It is to be appreciated that memory and/or memory componentsdescribed herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, orcan include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include readonly memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmableROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, ornonvolatile random access memory (RAM) (e.g., ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM).Volatile memory can include RAM, which can act as external cache memory,for example. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is availablein many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM),direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems orcomputer-implemented methods herein are intended to include, withoutbeing limited to including, these and any other suitable types ofmemory.

What has been described above include mere examples of systems, computerprogram products and computer-implemented methods. It is, of course, notpossible to describe every conceivable combination of components,products and/or computer-implemented methods for purposes of describingthis disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize thatmany further combinations and permutations of this disclosure arepossible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,”“possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims,appendices and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim. The descriptions of thevarious embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration,but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodimentsdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spiritof the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen tobest explain the principles of the embodiments, the practicalapplication or technical improvement over technologies found in themarketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a roller conveyed alonga first direction; and a rotation member that, by being propelled alongthe first direction, drives a rotation of the roller along an axialdirection.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a secondroller conveyed along the first direction; and a second rotation memberthat, by being propelled along the first direction, drives a rotation ofthe second roller along the axial direction; wherein the rotation memberand the second rotation member operate independently.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein a rotation speed of the roller is different than asecond rotation speed of the second roller.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein a rotation direction of the roller is opposite a second rotationdirection of the second roller.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein ashape of the roller is different than a second shape of the secondroller.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a shape of the rollercomprises at least one of a plate, a box, a cup, a hemisphere, or adome.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roller comprises at leastone of holes, cavities, or compartments.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a surface of the roller comprises at least one of grooves,notches, ridges, or bumps.
 9. A system, comprising: a first plurality ofrollers conveyed along a first direction; and a first rotation memberthat, by being propelled along the first direction, drives a rotation ofthe first plurality of rollers along an axial direction.
 10. The systemof claim 9, further comprising: a second plurality of rollers conveyedalong the first direction; and a second rotation member that, by beingpropelled along the first direction, drives a rotation of the secondplurality of rollers along the axial direction; wherein the firstrotation member and the second rotation member operate independently.11. The system of claim 10, wherein a first rotation speed of the firstplurality of rollers is different than a second rotation speed of thesecond plurality of rollers.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein a firstrotation direction of the first plurality of rollers is opposite asecond rotation direction of the second plurality of rollers.
 13. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein first shapes of the first plurality ofrollers are different than second shapes of the second plurality ofrollers.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein shapes of the firstplurality of rollers comprise at least one of plates, boxes, cups,hemispheres, or domes.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein a first shapeof a first roller in the first plurality of rollers is different than asecond shape of a second roller in the first plurality of rollers. 16.The system of claim 9, wherein the first plurality of rollers compriseat least one of holes, cavities, or compartments.
 17. The system ofclaim 9, wherein surfaces of the first plurality of rollers comprise atleast one of grooves, notches, ridges, or bumps.
 18. A device,comprising: one or more first rollers and one or more second rollersconveyed along a first direction; a first rotation member that, by beingpropelled along the first direction, drives a rotation of the one ormore first rollers in an axial direction; and a second rotation memberthat operates independently of the first rotation member and that, bybeing propelled along the first direction, drives a rotation of the oneor more second rollers along the axial direction.
 19. The device ofclaim 18, wherein the first rotation member rotates the one or morefirst rollers at a first rotation speed and wherein the second rotationmember rotates the one or more second rollers at a second rotationspeed, the first rotation speed being different from the second rotationspeed.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first rotation memberrotates the one or more first rollers in a first rotation direction andwherein the second rotation member rotates the one or more secondrollers in a second rotation direction, the first rotation directionbeing opposite of the second rotation direction.